The port aims to raise over 1 billion dollars for new terminals and road connections; protests from logistics operators
Dublin – Dublin Port has proposed a significant tariff increase starting in 2026 to finance the expansion and modernization of its infrastructure. The most substantial increase concerns containers: the base rate for a 40-foot unit will rise by 5% (from $44.74 to $46.87), but with the introduction of a new $17 infrastructure charge, the overall increase will reach about 46%, bringing the total cost to approximately $62 per container.
According to CEO Barry O’Connell, the increase is necessary because the port, which operates with financial autonomy, is nearing saturation and must initiate urgent investments. Tariffs have remained largely unchanged for twenty years, while the annual capital expenditure will rise from $75 million in the 2015–2024 period to about $198 million for 2025–2030 (+160%). The goal is to raise over 1 billion dollars to fund the works outlined in the Masterplan 2040.
Key projects include a new 612,000 TEU container terminal and new connection infrastructure with the city, including an access road and a bridge over the River Liffey to reduce heavy goods traffic on urban arteries.
The decision, however, has sparked a reaction from the Irish Road Haulage Association, which considers the measure a cost that will fall on consumers at a time of high pressure on the cost of living. “It will end up in every Irish shopping cart,” stated President Ger Hyland.
In 2024, the port handled 35.2 million tonnes of goods, with a significant Ro-Ro share and over 800,000 Lo-Lo containers.
